National Media Commission wants more powers from Parliament
The National Media Commission in its bid to have more control on the media landscape has courted Parliament to consider amending the National Media Commission act.
Chairman of the commission, Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo, believes the NMC needs to be given more regulatory power.
The National Media Commission Act gives the NMC the needed authority to promote and ensure the freedom and independence of the media for mass communication and information.
Speaking at a forum organized by the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry, Mr Ayeboafo noted that the current act limits the NMC powers and also, “in the thinking of the framers of the constitution, we needed to facilitate media pluralism rather than control.”
As they have come to appreciate the gaps in regulation, he said the time has come for changes, which the legislature will have to facilitate.
“The commission must be given that power and authority, and that power can only come from Parliament. Otherwise, the commission cannot take on itself any obligation.”
Mr Ayeboafo’s comments came after the First Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, had advocated for the NMC to be granted the authority to allocate frequencies for broadcasting.
Mr Ibrahim argued that the regulation of frequencies would be given more credibility with the NMC at the helm after claims that partisan interests influenced the suspensions of the frequencies of some pro-opposition media houses
The National Communications Authority currently oversees the allocation of frequencies.
Earlier this month, the NCA restored the authorization of 133 stations.
“The allocation of frequencies must be one of the functions of the National Media Commission, and the earlier the National Media Commission starts looking at these functions, the better.”
“Do you think some of the noise about pro-NDC or opposition media houses being closed down if there is an independent National Media Commission, would you hear statements like that? Would you see actions like that?” Mr Ibrahim.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
